France to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Divisions in Europe

Mon Oct 20 2025 21:33:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

French President Macron announces formal recognition of a Palestinian state, positioning France alongside several European countries, while Germany and Italy withhold support.

In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in New York. This decision aligns France with several other nations, including Belgium and Luxembourg, but is met with dissent from Germany and Italy, who emphasize a cautious approach to statehood recognition. Israeli officials condemned the move, labeling it as a reward for Hamas, while Macron's government affirms its commitment to a two-state solution amid rising tensions and protests across Europe.

President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognise a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, supported by several European nations, declaring this move a necessity. Following recent decisions by the UK, Canada, and Australia, Macron stated the recognition would initiate a political process toward peace and security for all involved.

France asserts significant influence as a permanent UN Security Council and G7 member and is coordinating efforts with Saudi Arabia during the UN General Assembly. However, Germany and Italy remain absent from this coalition, with both countries expressing reservations about the timing of such recognitions.

Israeli officials condemned the recognition, asserting it legitimizes Hamas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting there will be no Palestinian state west of the River Jordan. In contrast, the French government emphasized that the recognition is a symbolic and assertive stance against Hamas, underlining its commitment to the two-state solution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized this recognition as a categorical rejection of Hamas and suggested it reflects France's dedication to regional stability. In the past year, several European nations have extended recognition to a Palestinian state, with Macron's initiative viewed as a diplomatic gamble that may influence future relations.

Ahead of the announcement, the Eiffel Tower displayed both Palestinian and Israeli flags, symbolizing France's complex engagement in these negotiations. Meanwhile, protests advocating for Palestinian statehood occurred in Italy, signaling broad public sentiment regarding this issue. The German government emphasized that recognition of Palestinian statehood is not currently under discussion as they advocate for a gradual approach.

Macron outlined a phased peace plan which includes a ceasefire, hostages' release, and reinforcing governance in Gaza before formal recognition that would entail establishing a French embassy, contingent on security developments.

As political leaders navigate these tumultuous waters, Macron's recognition of Palestine lays down a bold marker for future diplomatic efforts, though it is met with both enthusiasm and critique from various factions at home and abroad.